Mary Eugenia Gambacorta

Born May 13, 1919, in Annapolis, Md., she was the daughter of the late LCdr. Eugene Frieh and Mary Johnson Frieh. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Capt. Francis Michael Gambacorta, and her brother, Eugene Frieh. Surviving are one daughter, Marcia Eugenia Glenn of Virginia Beach; a son and daughter-in-law, Capt. Francis Michael and Sandra Kirk Gambacorta Jr. of Smithfield, daughter-in-law, Sandra, is also a goddaughter to Mrs. Gambacorta; granddaughters, Elizabeth, Susan and Laura; four great-grandchildren, Hannah, David, Madeline and Claire.

Mrs. Gambacorta had a long life tightly linked to the U.S. Navy as both a daughter and wife. As a Navy junior, her young life included continuous moves. She graduated from Norfolk Catholic High School. In 1937, in San Diego, Calif., she married Ensign Francis Michael Gambacorta of the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1935. During their 63-year marriage, she followed and cared for her family wherever fate sent them to live. She was an avid artist and gardener, creating beauty in all she touched.

A funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the St. Andrews chapel of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. Interment will follow in the Naval Academy Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, at the funeral home. Mrs. Gambacorta was a devoted member of St. Bede's Catholic Church and the family requests in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St. Bede Catholic Church Building Fund, 10 Harrison Ave., Williamsburg, VA 23185.